Steele County public meetings in 2022
32 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Steele County Board Work Session
The Board is reviewing the final purchase of a property at 2655 Alexander Street for use as a facilities shop, evidence storage, and trailer storage. Commissioners are also considering a $1 million fund transfer from the highway fund to the general fund.
- Proposed purchase of 2655 Alexander Street for $859,900
- Proposed $1 million fund transfer from highway fund to general fund
- Discussion of City of Medford speed zones
- Review of AMC Legislative Conference attendance
Steele County Board Meeting
The Board will conduct a public hearing to adopt the 2023 fee schedule and discuss 2023 commissioner salaries and ditch interest rates. The meeting includes several final payments for asphalt contracts and a property closing on Alexander Street.
- Public hearing and adoption of the 2023 Fee Schedule
- Final payments to Crane Creek Asphalt for Contract No. 222202 and Contract No. 221242
- Authorization to close on the 2655 Alexander Street property
- License renewals for Seven Tattoo Parlor and Thee Dragon’s Lair
- Property tax disaster abatements for Marshall and Gonzalez
Steele County Board Meeting
The Board will conduct a public hearing and take action on the 2022 budget and tax levy. Other business includes reviewing conditional use permits and discussing a coroner services agreement for 2023-2026.
- Public hearing and action on 2022 Budget and Tax Levy
- Renewal of CUP #290 for James Bros Construction – Hafstad Pit
- Approval of CUP #433 for Jenkins Boarding Kennel
- Resolution for purchase of Wildlife Management Area land in Medford
- Four speed study resolutions for CSAH 12 and CSAH 45 in Medford
Steele County Board Work Session
The Board is reviewing the reappointment of Dr. Kellyanna J. Moore as County Coroner and a proposal to reserve juvenile detention beds through MNPrairie. The juvenile detention agreement involves a partnership with Anoka County to ensure secure placement for youth.
- Reappointment of Dr. Kellyanna J. Moore as County Coroner through December 31, 2026
- Coroner fee schedule: $43,920 in 2023, $44,760 in 2024, $45,600 in 2025, and $46,500 in 2026
- Contract with Anoka County for 1.5 reserved beds at East Central Regional Juvenile Center
- Estimated annual cost to MNPrairie for juvenile beds: $161,513
- Juvenile bed member per diem rate: $295
Steele County Board Work Session
The Board of Commissioners will conduct a review of 2022 and discuss board norms and functions. The session includes planning for 2023 organizational business, including meeting dates and committee structures.
- 2022 Review
- Board Norms and Functions
- 2023 Meeting Dates
- Organizational Charts
- Committee Structures and Appointments
Steele County Board Meeting
The Board is meeting to decide on bridge replacement agreements for Havana, Medford, and Merton Townships and a prioritized bridge replacement list. The session includes a work session focused on finalizing the 2023 budget and levy.
- Agreements with Havana, Medford, and Merton Townships for bridge replacements
- Resolution for the 2023 Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Plan
- 2023 Snowmobile Grant-In-Aid Agreement
- RFP for curbside recycling collection services
- Purchase of Sheriff’s squad cars
Steele County Board Work Session
The Board of Commissioners will review the 2023 draft budget and five-year capital improvement plan. They are also considering a proposal to purchase four new squad cars for the Sheriff's Office.
- Proposed purchase of four Ford Explorers from Tenvoorde Ford for $172,011.52
- Review of 2023 Draft Final Budget with total revenues of $63,743,184
- Discussion of 2023 property taxes
- Review of Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan
Steele County Board Meeting
The Steele County Board is meeting for a special session. The primary purpose of the meeting is to conduct a closed session regarding labor negotiations strategy.
- Closed session for labor negotiations strategy per MN statute 179A.01, section 13D.03
Steele County Board Meeting
The Board will consider adopting the 2023-2027 Highway Capital Improvement Plan and amending the use of the transportation sales tax. Other business includes approving a 2023 office lease with MNPrairie and setting a public hearing for the 2023 fee schedule.
- Adoption of the 2023-2027 Highway Capital Improvement Plan
- 2023 Office Lease Agreement with MNPrairie
- Purchase of a DS 200 Optical Scan machine
- Body Art Establishment License Renewal for Seven Tattoo Parlor
- Public hearing for 2023 Fee Schedule set for December 27, 2022
Steele County Board Work Session
The Board of Commissioners is holding a work session to review the 2023 budget and a dividend from the SE Service Cooperative. The meeting includes a presentation on a circular economy and emission reduction initiative for food manufacturers.
- Presentation by Kruckeberg Services on a Zero emission strategy for food manufacturers
- Discussion of the 2023 Budget
- Review of SE Service Cooperative Dividend
Steele County Board Meeting
The County Board will conduct a public hearing regarding the Transportation Plan. The board is also scheduled to discuss land purchases for a state wildlife area and the Alexander Street property, as well as 2023 ditch levies.
- Public Hearing: Transportation Plan
- Final Payment Resolution for contract no. 227005 to NTTK, Inc
- Access Variance Request for CSAH 27: Deml, Parcel ID 02-001-3101
- Proposed land purchase for a State-owned Wildlife Management Area
- Proposed Alexander Street property purchase
Steele County Board Work Session
The Board of Commissioners is meeting to discuss land acquisitions, veteran support initiatives, and 2023 ditch levies. Key items include a proposed purchase of a facility for the Sheriff's office and emergency management, and the addition of land to a state wildlife area.
- Proposed purchase of 2655 Alexander Street, Owatonna for $859,900
- Proposed purchase of approximately 153 acres in Medford Township for the Fairbault Wildlife Management Area
- Resolution to support Operation Green Light for Veterans with an estimated cost of $125.00
- Approval of 2023 ditch levies for 30 drainage ditch systems
- Discussion on the human services delivery system and joint powers arrangement
Steele County Board Meeting
The Steele County Board is meeting to discuss infrastructure projects, including a schematic design for a Sheriff's Department addition to the Detention Center and a professional services agreement for the Landfill East Expansion Project. The board will also review the 2021 external audit and a new landfill operator position.
- Proposal from Wold for Sheriff’s Department addition to Detention Center
- Professional Services Agreement with SEH for Landfill East Expansion Project and Permit Renewal
- Purchase of Agile Fleet System Software
- 2023 MRCI Lease Agreement
- Final Payment Resolution for Contract No. 222203; CP 074-022-003
Steele County Board Work Session
The Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to review joint dispatch technology and a feasibility study regarding 911 operations. The meeting also includes discussions on landfill expansion and the Sheriff's Office schematic design.
- Joint Dispatch Technology review with PSC Alliance, Inc, Contegrity Group, and Wold Architects
- Landfill Expansion discussion with Short-Elliot-Hendrickson
- Sheriff's Office Schematic Design review
- Rice County 911 Feasibility Study options ranging from $2.2 million to $3.0 million
Steele County Board Meeting
The Steele County Board will meet to establish the preliminary net tax levy for 2023. The board is also considering several contracts for public safety equipment and funding for emergency management.
- Resolution to set the Preliminary Net Tax Levy for 2023
- Acceptance of HSEM EMPG funding for 2021-2022 in the amount of $34,818
- Approval of Ancom Contract for Motorola Radios
- Out of state travel requests for a School Resource Officer and Sheriff Sergeant
- Approval of personnel reports and bills
Steele County Board Work Session
The Board is reviewing the 2023 preliminary budget and tax levy, including a proposal to use $400,000 in reserves to limit the levy increase to 5.7%. The session also includes an update on employee retention based on stay interviews and surveys.
- Proposed 2023 preliminary tax levy of $28,598,870
- Proposed use of $400,000 in reserves to fund general fund capital expenditures
- Over $1.3 million in capital purchases to be funded by levy dollars
- Employee Retention Final Report based on 171 survey responses and 56 stay interviews
- Discussion of $600,000 in levied capital outlay included in the highway budget
Steele County Board Work Session
The Board of Commissioners is holding a work session to discuss the 2023 budget. The meeting includes a presentation regarding a proposal to increase the county-wide appropriation for the free public library system.
- Proposal to increase library budgetary appropriation from $225,000 to $262,300 for 2023
- 2023 Budget Update
Steele County Board Meeting
The Steele County Board will meet to decide on 2023 appropriation requests and the sale of a salvage pickup. The board will also set a public hearing date for the partial abandonment of PTD #8.
- Approval of 2023 Appropriation Requests
- Sale of salvage pickup
- Setting a public hearing date for PTD #8 partial abandonment
- Approval of bills and personnel report
Steele County Board Meeting
The Board will review several service agreements and a proposed fee for non-recycled mattresses and box springs. The meeting also includes the approval of bills and a personnel report.
- Proposed $50 landfill fee per unit for each mattress or box spring not recycled
- DOC Work Release Renewal Contract
- Turnkey Corrections Service Agreement
- MNDH (Minnesota Department of Health) Grant Agreement
- Approval of bills and journal entries
Steele County Board Work Session
The Board is reviewing the Detention Center pod wall construction following a loss of boarding revenue from Dodge County. Staff recommends proceeding with the project to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs for housing female inmates.
- Recommendation to continue $609,000 jail pod wall construction
- Discussion of $250,000 reduction in annual boarding revenue from Dodge County
- Projected $60,000 to $70,000 annual savings by housing females internally
- 2023 Budget discussions
- Joint Dispatch Expansion and Sheriff’s Office location update
Steele County Board Meeting
The County Board will consider land use permits for asphalt and gravel operations and approve a boat and water safety grant. The meeting also includes discussions on assessor's office restructuring and delinquent mobile home tax write-offs.
- 2022 Boat & Water Safety Grant Agreement for $2,117
- IUP 2022-01 for Crane Creek Asphalt-Medford Asphalt Plant
- IUP 2020-03 for Medford Sand & Gravel – Hill Pit
- Assessor’s Office Position Restructuring & Reclassification
- Delinquent Mobile Home Tax Write Offs
Steele County Board Work Session
The Board is discussing a request to waive the 30-day public meeting notice for the creation of TIF District No. 1-2 in Ellendale. This district would support the redevelopment of a former residential property into a new apartment project. The Board will also discuss the 2022 Performance Measurement Resolution and 2023 budget.
- Proposed TIF District No. 1-2 for apartment project at parcel #15-026-1003 in Ellendale
- Estimated TIF public costs of $3,967,040, including $1.5 million for streets and sidewalks
- 2022 Performance Measurement Resolution
- 2023 Budget discussions
Steele County Board Work Session
The Steele County Board of Commissioners is holding a work session to discuss several items, including the 2022 commissioner redistricting plan, a phased retirement option for the County Assessor, a fund balance policy, and employee appreciation events. The redistricting discussion is a precursor to a public hearing and adoption on April 26. The assessor transition involves a proposed exception to the personnel policy to allow the current assessor to work part-time after retirement.
- Redistricting plan: proposed changes to commissioner districts 1-4, with a public hearing set for April 26, 2022
- Assessor transition: proposed exception to continue health insurance contribution of $782.97/month for up to 6 months, with total cost up to $27,145.18
- Fund balance policy discussion
- Employee appreciation events
- Volunteer Appreciation Week proclamation
Steele County Board Meeting
The Steele County Board is meeting to approve routine consent agenda items, including minutes, bills, personnel, and several contracts. Notable actions include awarding a traffic signal maintenance contract to River City Electric Co. for $269,438, approving a cooperative agreement with Owatonna for traffic signal work, and accepting donations. The board will also consider a conditional use permit amendment and approve out-of-state travel for staff.
- Award contract for Traffic Signal Maintenance and Repairs (SAP 074-030-011) to River City Electric Co. for $269,438
- Approve cooperative agreement with City of Owatonna for traffic signal maintenance
- Approve annual On-Sale and Sunday Liquor License for Monterey Ballroom
- Approve resolution accepting K-9 donations of $850.00
- Approve amendment to CUP #348 for Keven Christianson with 6 conditions
Steele County Board Work Session
The Steele County Board will discuss making the Public Health Accountant position full-time, a change already included in the 2022 budget. They will also review a voting equipment grant agreement, an update on the Old Highway Shop property, and the Auditor and Treasurer positions.
- Public Health Accountant position: proposed full-time status, cost approx. $65,000 with benefits
- Voting Equipment Grant Agreement (VEGA-3) for consideration
- Old Highway Shop property update
- Auditor and Treasurer positions discussion
Steele County Board Work Session
The Steele County Board of Commissioners will discuss several items at this work session, including scheduling the annual township meeting, renewing the Granicus GovD Communications Cloud contract for $6,420 per year, approving a property tax abatement, and receiving a redistricting update. The board will also consider waiving penalties and interest on two parcels due to an administrative correction.
- Renew Granicus GovD Communications Cloud for one year at $6,420
- Schedule Annual Township Meeting for April 25, 2022 at 4:00 pm at the Community Center
- Approve waiving penalty, interest, and cost for property tax abatement on parcels 14-101-0102 and 14-101-0103
- Redistricting update
Steele County Board Meeting
The Steele County Board will vote on routine consent items including minutes, bills, personnel, and a K-9 donation, plus a farmland lease and two Canadian Pacific Railroad crossing agreements. Under general business, they will consider advertising for bids on a jail pod renovation, a zoning map amendment for Rezone Request #83, and renewal of two conditional use permits for sand/gravel pits. The agenda also includes informational reports and committee minutes.
- Adopt resolution accepting K-9 donations
- Approve farmland lease at Public Works for $5,864.50 to David Janke
- Approve agreement with Canadian Pacific RR for crossing improvement at NW 81st St
- Approve agreement with Canadian Pacific Railroad for grade crossing closure of CSAH 49
- Resolution amending zoning map for Rezone Request #83 (William Johnson/Meriden Outlots)
Steele County Board Work Session
The Steele County Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to discuss two main topics: a proposed trial period for backfilling non-essential positions without full board approval, and the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) project schedule. The hiring discussion suggests that only new or unbudgeted positions would require board approval, potentially reducing vacancy times. The CIP schedule outlines various projects including detention center, law enforcement center, and courthouse upgrades.
- Discussion on hiring process: trial period for backfilling existing budgeted positions without board approval
- CIP project schedule includes Detention Center Pod Separation, EMS/Evidence Storage & Shop, Law Enforcement Center Generator, Admin Building Lower Level & Mail Room Remodel, Community Corrections, and Courthouse projects
- HVAC Replacement and Upgrades projects listed in CIP schedule
- Gates project and Integrator Project mentioned in CIP schedule
Steele County Board Meeting
The Steele County Board will hold a regular meeting with a consent agenda covering routine approvals, including bills, personnel, and backfilling positions. A public hearing is scheduled for March 8 to consider changing the Auditor and Treasurer positions from elected to appointed. The board will also receive reports and set future meeting dates.
- Public hearing notice for Auditor & Treasurer position change from elected to appointed (March 8, 2022)
- Approve backfilling Appraiser position and Chief Deputy County Attorney position
- Approve 2022 US Hwy 14 Partnership membership renewal
- Approve Equitable Sharing Agreement and Certification
- Approve bills and journal entries
Regional Railroad Authority
The Steele County Regional Railroad Authority held a brief meeting, approving the agenda, prior minutes, and a slate of officers for 2022. No substantive policy decisions were made; the meeting adjourned at 5:04 p.m.
- Approved agenda (unanimous)
- Approved minutes of February 9, 2021 (unanimous)
- Approved 2022 officers: Chair John Glynn, Vice-Chair Greg Krueger, Secretary Scott Golberg, Treasurer Cathy Piepho (unanimous)
- Adjourned meeting at 5:04 p.m.
Steele County Board Work Session
The Steele County Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to discuss several items, including backfilling the landfill supervisor position, appointing a hearing officer for a dangerous dog designation appeal, and postponing the annual township meeting due to COVID-19. They will also discuss a new joint ditch project and a workforce development letter of support.
- Backfill Landfill Supervisor position following resignation effective Feb. 18, 2022
- Appoint hearing officer for appeal of dangerous dog designation under Minn. Statute §347.541
- Discuss postponing Annual Township meeting to late April due to COVID-19 spike
- Discussion on New Joint Ditch #19 (Rice/Steele)
- COVID-19 update and workforce development letter of support
Steele County Board Meeting
The Steele County Board will hold its annual organizational meeting to elect a 2022 chair and vice chair, adopt rules of order, and approve the 2022 meeting schedule. The board will also consider routine consent agenda items including resolutions on elected officials' salaries, mileage rates, and financial procedures, as well as a vaccine/testing policy mandate. The agenda includes the approval of bills and various appointments.
- Approve Resolution Establishing 2022 Elected Officials Minimum Salaries
- Set 2022 Mileage Rate per IRS Guidelines
- Approve Resolution Designating UBS Financial Services as County's Depository
- ETS Vaccine/Testing Policy Mandate
- Award Publication Bid for 2022